Labour in fresh ‘cash for croissants’ storm

It’s a day ending a ‘y’ – so there’s another Labour scandal brewing. After the ‘passes for glasses’ row about Lord Alli’s role in Downing Street, the party has been plunged into another row about claims of ‘cash for access.’ The Sun today reports that companies have been offered breakfast with the Business Secretary in return for £30,000. Party apparatchiks invited bosses to a top Manchester restaurant for the ‘rare chance’ to ‘gain insight’ from Jonathan Reynolds in return for sponsorship of the meal. Talk about ‘cash for croissants’…

Attendance at the exclusive event was limited to just ten tickets. ‘Distinct benefits’ include a photo with the minister (yours for just £15,000), while for the full £30,000 bigwigs got to choose who can come to the ‘dynamic meeting of business minds.’ What a thrilling prospect. The pitch was prepared by the Labour party’s commercial team and emailed yesterday, with invitees to The Ivy restaurant in Manchester promised ‘a rare chance to gain insights, network and exchange ideas amongst peers and a government minister’.